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Circling Approaches

  • Circling approaches are used when an approach does not align with the runway of intended landing.
  • They can also be used when a descent to the runway from the MDA would require a high descent rate that wouldn't be safe

Circle-to-land Maneuver​

  • Circling to land is a maneuver that should be performed with care as it is flown near the ground at approach airspeeds
  • Maneuver to the runway of intended landing at or above the circling MDA, maintaining visual contact with the airport or runway environment
  • Decent from the MDA can only be done when a landing is assured using a normal descent rate using normal maneuvers
  • The circling approach area provides protection from obstacles near the airport, and is defined by a radius from each runway end:

Circling protected area

  • Before flying a circling approach, consider the speed of your aircraft and use the appropriate minimums for that category
  • The faster the aircraft the larger the approach radius, and thus the higher the minimums.
    • The following chart from the TPP defines the radii for the different categories:

Circling radius

  • The "negative C" symbol on the circling line indicates an expanded circling area has been established
AIM 5-4-20

Circling-only approaches​

  • Circling only approaches are identified by the navigational system providing final approach guidance and a letter (e.g., VOR A), as opposed to a straight-in approach which will have the runway in the name (e.g. VOR/DME 13)

KONO RNAV Rwy 15

AIM 5-4-20